Workshop Leader: Gregory E. Meriwether, MSW
This program focuses on the population group of African Americans who are chemically dependent. The participant will recognize obstacles to developing a therapeutic relationship and will gain knowledge of treatment approaches that are culturally sensitive and meet the needs of African American clients.
The workshop will teach participants how to gain accurate background information; recognize help-seeking behaviors that African Americans may display; and assess the impact of social environmental factors on treatment effectiveness. The workshop curriculum will reflect a Biblical perspective so that participants can appropriately integrate their faith and that of their clients into the helping relationship.
Participants will expand their knowledge base of African Americans who are chemically dependent and be prepared to respond with respect and cultural competence to the needs of this population group.
Learning Objectives:
- Demonstrate an understanding of alternative treatment approaches which meet the needs of African American clients
- Explain African American help seeking behaviors
- Identify barriers to seeking help
- Explain the difference between “color blind” and “culturally competent” treatment philosophies practiced by both black and white counselors
- Define and explain the duality of consciousness for black clients